WO2005101350A1

WO2005101350A1 - Map drawing device, navigation device, file updating method, file updating program, and information recording medium on which the file updating program is recorded

Info

Publication number: WO2005101350A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/006769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keisuke Adachi
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation; Increment P Corporation
Priority date: 2004-04-13
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2005-10-27
Also published as: JPWO2005101350A1; EP1736950A4; US20070168121A1; EP1736950A1

Abstract

A time in which a navigation device is not usable because of updating of data for map display is reduced, and thereby the updating is prevented from becoming troublesome. A navigation device (100) reads updating data from a DVD by using a DVD drive (106) and updates data for map display recorded in an HD. In such updating, the navigation device (100) previously updates data corresponding to a map of the vicinity of the current position of a vehicle, and updates the remaining data by using an idle time in the processing.

Description

Specification

Map drawing device, navigation device, file update method, file update program, and information recording medium recording this file update program

Technical field

The present invention relates to a navigation device that searches for a route of a moving object and presents the route to a user, and particularly to a technique for drawing a map.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, various types of so-called navigation devices have also been provided in which a power is also mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle and guides the moving body. A powerful navigation device records map display data to display a map of the route guidance target area, and a map that depicts the current position of the moving object and the route to the destination of the moving object. Is displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel.

[0003] Some navigation devices of this type record the data for map display on a rewritable recording medium such as a hard disk (hereinafter, referred to as "HD") and rewrite these data. Therefore, there is a device having a function of updating map display data recorded in the navigation device to the latest data (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1: JP 2002-197785 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] By the way, when updating the data for map display in the conventional navigation device, it is necessary to overwrite the data, so that the data for map display cannot be used. During the update work, various functions of the navigation device cannot be used. In particular, in the conventional navigation device, since the data for map display is created and managed as one file, a long time is required for the updating operation, and the time when the navigation device cannot be used is extended for a long time. Will be lost.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and as an example of the problem, a navigation device can be used in connection with updating work for map display data. A map drawing device, a navigation device, a file updating method, a file updating program, and an information recording device that records this file updating program, which can reduce the time required and prevent the complicated updating work. The purpose is to provide a medium. Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, according to one aspect of the present application, a map drawing device according to claim 1 generates map image data for displaying a map as a moving object moves. A map drawing device that outputs the generated map image data to a display device, wherein the map drawing device is provided for each of a plurality of divided areas of the whole area to be displayed on the map, and the map corresponding to the own file is provided. Recording means for recording a map file containing map data for generating image data, and a common file containing at least management data for managing the map data contained in the map file; Current position data generating means for generating current position data indicating the current position of the moving object, and indicating the current position data using the management data and the map file. Display control means for generating the map image data corresponding to the surrounding map of the current position to be outputted and outputting the map image data to the display device; detecting means for detecting whether or not the map file needs to be updated; When it is detected that the map file needs to be updated, the determination means for determining the map file to be updated based on the current position data and the processing using the map file are stopped. Thereafter, update file data corresponding to the common file and the map file determined by the determination unit is acquired, and the common file and the map file recorded in the recording unit are acquired by the acquired file data. File updating means for updating.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present application, a navigation device according to claim 10 generates map image data for displaying a map in accordance with movement of a moving object, and generates the generated map image data. A navigation device provided with a map drawing device that outputs the map image data to a display device, wherein the map image data of the area corresponding to the own file is provided for each of a plurality of divided areas of the entire area to be displayed on the map. Recording means for recording a map file containing map data to be generated, and a common file containing at least management data for managing the map data contained in the map file; Current position data generating means for generating current position data indicating a current position of the body, setting means for setting a destination of the moving body, and a path for setting a route from the current position of the moving body to the destination Setting means and the map image data using the management data and the map file so that route guidance information indicating the set route is displayed together with a surrounding map of the current position indicated by the current position data. Display control means for generating and outputting to the display device; detecting means for detecting whether or not the map file needs to be updated; and detecting when the map file needs to be updated, Determining means for determining the map file to be updated based on the current position data; and stopping the processing using the map file, and File updating means for acquiring file data for updating corresponding to the map file determined by the setting means, and updating the common file and the map file recorded in the recording means with the acquired file data; It is characterized by having.

In still another aspect of the present application, a file updating method according to claim 11 generates map image data for displaying a map in accordance with movement of a moving object, and generates the generated map image data. A map drawing device for outputting to a display device, the map drawing device being provided for each of a plurality of divided areas of a whole area to be displayed on a map, and generating map image data of the area corresponding to the own file. And a common file including at least management data for managing the map data included in the map file. A first step in which the map drawing device detects whether or not the updating of the map file is necessary; and the map drawing device indicates at least a current position of the moving object. A second step of generating current position data, and when it is detected that the map file needs to be updated, the map drawing device determines the map file to be updated based on the current position data. A third step of performing, after the map drawing apparatus stops processing using the map file in its own apparatus, an update file corresponding to the common file and the map file determined in the third step. Data, and the common file recorded in the recording means by the acquired file data. And a fourth step of updating the map file.

[0009] In still another aspect of the present application, the file update program according to claim 12 includes a plurality of files recorded on an information recording medium, wherein all regions to be displayed on a map are divided into a plurality of regions. A map file provided for each of the divided areas and including map data for generating the map image data of an area corresponding to the own file; and management data for managing the map data included in the map file. A file updating program for updating a common file including at least a current position data indicating a current position of a moving object, and updating the map file by using a computer. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the map file is necessary; Based on the position data! Deciding means for deciding the map file to be updated, stopping the processing in the external device using the map file, and then updating the common file and the update corresponding to the map file decided by the deciding means. And a function of updating the common file and the map file recorded on the information recording medium with the obtained file data.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable information recording medium according to claim 13 records the file update program according to claim 12.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 100 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data configuration of data recorded on an HD of an HD drive 105 in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a system control unit 115 of the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a system control unit 115 of the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0012] CF ',' common map file

RF-k (k = l, 2, · · · · n) · · 'Regional map file 100 · · 'Navigation equipment

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] m m

[1.Ώ Μ ΜΩΜ ^

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a configuration of a navigation device 100 that is active in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 101, a sensor unit 102, and an interface unit 103 (hereinafter, “interface” is referred to as “I”). / F ”) and VICS (Vehicle Information

Communication System) Data receiving unit 104, HD (hard disk) drive 105, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 106, operation unit 107, microphone 108, voice recognition unit 109, display unit 110, and buffer memory 111, a display control unit 112, an audio processing unit 113, a speaker 114, a system control unit 115, a ROM (Read Only Memory) / RAM (Random Access Memory) unit 116, and these elements are interconnected. And a data bus 117.

[0015] Note that "recording means" in the claims corresponds to, for example, the HD drive 105, "current position data generating means" corresponds to, for example, the IZF unit 103, and "display control means". Corresponds to, for example, the display control unit 112. Further, “detection means” and “determination means” in the claims correspond to, for example, the system control unit 115, and “file update means” corresponds to, for example, the HD drive 105 and the system control unit 115. are doing.

The navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment records map display data in the HD of the HD drive 105, and outputs a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electro Luminescent) panel, a liquid crystal display panel, and the like. This is for realizing a navigation function such as vehicle route guidance by displaying a map on the display unit 110 constituted by the above display device. In addition, in the navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment, the update data is read from the DVD by using the DVD drive 106, and the map display data recorded in the HD is updated. Here, as described above, if it is attempted to update all the data of the map display data collectively, the time required for the update operation is long, and the use suspension time of the navigation device 100 is reduced. It will last for a long time. On the other hand, it is not necessary for users to update data all at once.If only the map data around their current location and destination can be updated, it is necessary to update them quickly with other data. In most cases. Therefore, in the navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment, the data corresponding to the map near the current position of the vehicle is updated in advance, and the remaining data is used while using the idle time of the processing in the navigation device 100. By updating the data, the time required for updating the data can be reduced, and thus the use suspension period of the navigation device 100 can be shortened.

In order to realize a powerful function, the HD of the HD drive 105 according to the present embodiment records map display data composed of a plurality of file groups as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the data for map display that is useful in this embodiment includes a common map file CF, a regional map file RF-k (k = 1, 2, ..., n), and power. It is composed of multiple file groups.

[0019] Of these files CF and RF-k, the map file RF-k for each region is provided for each area obtained by dividing the display target region of the map in the navigation device 100. For example, when the display target area covers the whole of Japan, the whole of Japan is divided into regions (for example, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, etc.) that use Hokkaido and other prefectures as one unit, and There is a regional map file RF-k.

[0020] Each of the region-specific map files RF-k is provided with a map data section RFM. The map data section RFM is used to display a map of an area corresponding to the own file RF-k. Map data is included. For example, if the regional map file RF-k corresponds to the Kanto region, the map data section RFM contains map data for displaying a map of the Kanto region. The map data is data composed of data such as polygons, polylines, and texts for displaying the background of the map or the road (hereinafter referred to as “composition data”). It is used to generate image data for displaying a. [0021] On the other hand, the common map file CF is created as one file for the entire area where the map is to be displayed on the navigation device 100 irrespective of the area corresponding to the regional map file RF-k. A map data section CFM, which uses map data as an element, is provided in the same way as the above-mentioned regional map file RF-k.

Here, the relationship between map data included in the common map file CF and the map data included in the regional map file RF-k, which is useful in the present embodiment, will be briefly described. First, in general, the smaller the scale of the map, the larger the display area and the need for detailed background display. Therefore, the data amount of the map data increases as the scale of the map decreases. In this embodiment, attention is paid to the powerful relationship.For example, map data corresponding to a map with a scale of about 1/2500, which has a large data amount, is divided into the above-mentioned areas, and the map file for each region is divided. In addition to storing the data in RF-k, the map data corresponding to the map with a larger scale is stored in the common map file CF without being divided for each area. The power of allocating map data corresponding to the scale of the map to the regional map file RF-k and the method of dividing the area are arbitrary.

The map data is generated and managed for each unit area called a reference parcel obtained by dividing the entire area on the map into dices. The map data corresponding to each reference parcel is included in the management data sections CFC and RFR of both files CF and RF-k, and is managed based on the parcel management information. The parcel management information is, for example, data including a storage address and a data size of map data corresponding to each reference parcel.

Further, in the present embodiment, the management data section CFC of the common map file CF includes, in addition to the parcel management information, the map data included in both the common map file CF and the regional map file RF-k. It contains a block management record to be managed and a block set management record. The block management record is data for managing map data in units of blocks, which is a set of a plurality of reference parcels. The block set management record stores the map data in a block set which is a set of a plurality of blocks. This is data for management in units. When a map is actually displayed on the navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment, parcel management information is specified based on block set management records and block management records included in the management data section CFC of the common map file CF. Then, the address map data included in the parcel management information is read, and image data is generated.

[0026] The specific data structure of the management data sections CFC and RFR of both files CF and RF-k and the method of specifying the parcel management information are arbitrary. However, in this embodiment, in order to make the description more specific, a record for managing each parcel management information is provided in the management data section RFR of the regional map file RF-k, and a common record is provided. In the block management record of the map file CF, store the pointer that specifies the record in this regional map file RF-k and the file name of the regional map file RF-k. When the parcel management information is specified based on the block management record, the corresponding record of the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the file name included in the block management record is specified. In this case, the parcel management information is specified.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the common map file CF is provided with a network data part CFN in addition to the above-mentioned data, and the network data part CFN includes, for example, (a) corresponding to each scale. Road links and nodes indicating the location of each road on the map, (b) Link ID for identifying each road on the map, (c) Data used when performing map matching, (d) Route setting And (e) network data such as traffic conditions for each road.

Here, the road link means a plurality of straight lines for approximating each road, and when the navigation device 100 sets a route or performs a map matching, the road link is displayed on a map of each road. It is used to specify the location of the object. A node means an end point on both sides of each road link. By linking each road link at this node, the location of each road on the map is approximated. The operation of the navigation device 100 for performing route setting and map matching based on the network data is the same as that of the conventional navigation device, and thus the details are omitted.

[0029] Actually, when updating the data for map display, the common map file CF and the area to which the current position of the vehicle belongs and the current position among the files recorded in the HD are included. The regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area from the destination to the destination is updated in advance. Then, when the update of the file RF-k is completed, the other region-specific map file RF-k is updated in consideration of the vacant timing of the processing of the system control unit 115.

Next, the configuration of each element configuring the navigation device 100 will be described individually.

[0031] GPS receiving section 101 receives a GPS radio wave transmitted by a geodetic satellite, calculates a latitude Z longitude corresponding to the current position of the vehicle based on the received GPS radio wave, and calculates the calculated latitude. The Z longitude is output to the IZF unit 103 as GPS data. The sensor unit 102 includes various sensors for detecting the traveling speed, acceleration, and azimuth of the vehicle, and outputs traveling data corresponding to the detection result to the IZF unit 103.

[0032] IZF section 103 calculates the current position of the vehicle based on the traveling data input from sensor section 102 and the GPS data input from GPS receiving section 101, and corresponds to the calculation result. The vehicle position data is output to the system control unit 115. The VICS data receiving unit 104 receives broadcast radio waves such as FM multiplex broadcasts, extracts VICS data included in the broadcast radio waves, and outputs the extracted VICS data to the system control unit 115. VICS refers to a road traffic information and communication system, and VICS data refers to road traffic information such as traffic jams, accidents, and traffic restrictions.

The operation unit 107 is configured by a remote control device or the like having various keys such as numeric keys and cursor keys, and sends a control signal corresponding to a user (driver or passenger) input operation to the system control unit 115. Output. The voice recognition circuit 109 receives the uttered voice of the user input to the microphone 108. The voice recognition unit 109 analyzes the input uttered voice, recognizes a user operation command, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation command to the system control unit 115.

The map data read from the HD drive 105 is input to the display control unit 112. The display control unit 112 generates image data corresponding to a map in the buffer memory 111 based on the input map data under the control of the system control unit 115, and generates the generated image data at a predetermined timing. From the buffer 111 and output to the display unit 110. The audio processing unit 113 generates an audio signal under the control of the system control unit 115, and vocalizes the generated audio signal via the speaker 114. With the function of the powerful voice processing unit 113, the navigation device 100 that is powerful in the present embodiment notifies the user of the traveling direction of the vehicle at the next intersection, for example, or notifies the user of the traffic congestion state on the set route. Notify the user of the road closure situation.

The system control unit 115 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and includes various input / output ports such as a GPS reception port, a key input port, and a display unit control port. To control general functions. At the time of such control, the system control unit 115 reads out a control program recorded in the ROMZRAM unit 116, executes each process, and temporarily stores the data being processed in the ROMZRAM unit 116.

For example, when performing route guidance, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the HD drive 105, reads out data for map display, and reads a map corresponding to a map including a position to be displayed. Extract the data. Then, when the extraction of the map data is completed, the system control unit 115 performs map matching based on the map data and the own vehicle position data supplied from the IZF unit 103, and performs the target setting based on the current position of the vehicle. A route to the ground is set, and the map data is output to the display control unit 112 so that route guidance information corresponding to the set route is displayed on a map corresponding to the current position of the vehicle. Next, the display control unit 112 is controlled.

Further, when a predetermined input operation is performed on the operation unit 107 in a state where the DVD D in which the update data of the map display data is recorded in the DVD drive 106 is stored, a process described in detail below is performed. The update processing of the map display data recorded in the HD drive 105 is executed.

[1.2 Operation of the Second Embodiment]

Here, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the system control unit 115 of the navigation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail when updating the map display data recorded in the HD. The processing operation will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing processing executed by the system control unit 115 of the navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment. It is one chart.

When updating the data for map display, the user first turns on the power of the navigation device 100 and mounts the DVD on which the data for update is recorded in the DVD drive 106. Required. In this state, when the user performs a predetermined input operation on the operation unit 107, the system control unit 115 responds to the input operation by using the regional map file RF-k and the common map file The process shown in Fig. 3 is started to update the map file CF.

In this process, first, the system control unit 115 stops using the navigation device 100 (step Sal). At this time, for example, if navigation processing such as route guidance or route setting has already been performed, the system control unit 115 terminates the processing and invalidates the input operation to the operation unit 107. To a state where At this time, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the display control unit 112. For example, "Since the data for map display is being updated, the navigation device cannot be used. Please generate image data for displaying a character string such as "Please wait." As a result, a powerful character string is displayed on the display unit 110, and the user is notified that the use of the navigation device 100 is stopped.

[0042] Next, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the DVD drive 106 to read out the common map file CF in which the DVD is recorded, and stores the read-out common map file CF in the read-out common map file CF. Then, the common map file CF recorded in the HD drive 105 is overwritten and updated (step Sa2).

As described above, when the update of the common map file CF is completed, the system control unit 115, based on the vehicle position data supplied from the IZF unit 103, updates the area-specific map file RF- Determine k (step Sa3). At this time, the method by which the system control unit 115 specifies the regional map file RF-k to be updated is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to determine the regional map file RF-k to be updated by the following method.

[0044] <Method a>

This method uses the regional map file RF-k of the area to which the current vehicle position belongs, Also, this is a method to be updated. According to this method, the system control unit 115 specifies the current position of the vehicle based on the own vehicle position data, specifies the area to which the specified current position of the vehicle belongs, and specifies the area corresponding to the area. The separate map file RF-k will be determined to be updated.

[0045] <Method b>

This method is to determine the regional map file RF-k to be updated based on the relationship between the current position of the vehicle and the area boundaries of each area. In particular,

(i) If the current vehicle position is within the specified distance range (for example, within 10 km) of the area boundary line force, the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area to which the current vehicle position belongs is updated. decide.

(ii) If the current vehicle position is within a predetermined distance from the area boundary line, determine the regional map file RF-k to be updated according to the following criteria.

(Criterion a) If the relevant area boundary line exists in the forward direction of the vehicle, the area-specific map file RF-k corresponding to at least the area to which the current position of the vehicle belongs and the adjacent area located in the forward direction of the vehicle is determined to be updated I do.

(Criterion b) If the relevant area boundary line does not exist ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction, determine at least the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area to which the current vehicle position belongs.

[0046] <Method c>

This method is a method of determining the regional map file RF-k to be updated based on the relationship between the current position of the vehicle and the area boundary of each area, as in the above method b. However, according to this method, if the current position of the vehicle is within the area boundary line force within a predetermined distance range, a menu for selecting an adjacent area to be updated is displayed on the display unit 110, and according to this display, The region-specific map file RF-k of the adjacent area selected by the user is determined as an update target.

[0047] <Method d>

This method is to determine the regional map file RF-k to be updated based on the relationship between the current position of the vehicle and the destination of the vehicle. In this case, the system The control unit 115 sets a destination in advance and sets a route from the current position to the destination. Then, the system control unit 115 specifies all the areas existing on the route, and determines the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the specified area as an update target.

When the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated is determined by the above-described method, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the DVD drive 106, and updates the region-specific map file to be updated. The file RF-k for updating the file RF-k is read, and the region-specific map file RF-k recorded in HD by the read file RF-k is updated (step Sa4). At this time, the method of updating the regional map file RF-k is arbitrary.For example, overwriting the regional map file RF-k on the HD based on the data read from the DVD It may be updated by doing things.

[0049] In this manner, when the update of the regional map file RF-k and the common map file CF corresponding to the area around the current position of the vehicle is completed, the system control unit 115 stops using the navigation device 100. Is canceled (step Sa5), and the process ends. At this time, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the display control unit 112 to stop generation of image data for displaying the character string, and cancels an invalid state of an input operation to the operation unit 107. I do.

[0050] When the above processing is completed and the navigation device 100 becomes available, the system control unit 115 updates the unupdated regional map file RF-k in the background. The processing shown in FIG. This process is a process executed by the system control unit 115 as a subroutine of the control program.

In this process, the system control unit 115 first determines whether or not a force that requires a process for navigation such as route setting or route guidance is required (step Sbl). In this determination, for example, (a) when various processes are not executed, the system control unit 115 determines “no”. Further, for example, even when (b) various processes are being executed, if no processing command has been input for a predetermined time, the system control unit 115 determines “no”. On the other hand, when various processes are being executed and a process instruction such as map matching has been input, the system control unit 115 determines “yes” in step Sbl. If the determination is “yes” in this determination, the system control unit 115 executes a process for navigation to realize the function being used (step Sb2), and The end of the process is determined by determining whether or not the force has been input to the operation unit 107 (step Sb3). In step Sb2, the system control unit 115 performs map matching as processing for navigation, for example, based on network data included in the common map file CF to realize a route guidance function, or The map data corresponding to the map near the current position of the vehicle is extracted from the map data sections CFM and RFM such as the map file CF, and the map data is output to the display control section 112.

On the other hand, if “no” is determined in step Sbl, the system control unit 115 transmits the regional map file RF-k recorded on the HD and the regional map file RF-K recorded on the DVD. By comparing with -k, it is determined whether or not there is an unupdated one in the area-specific map file recorded on the HD (step Sb4). If it is determined “no” in step Sb4, the system control unit 115 determines that there is no regional map file RF-k to be updated, and executes the process of step Sb3.

On the other hand, if it is determined to be “yes” in step Sb4, the system control unit 115 determines an area-specific map file RF-k to be updated (step Sb5). At this time, it is arbitrary how the system control unit 115 determines the regional map file RF-k to be updated. For example, the following method can be adopted.

In this method, the navigation device 100 determines a region-specific map file RF-k that is not currently used as an update target. According to this method, it is detected whether or not the region-specific map file RF-k used for processing exists in the unupdated region-specific map file RF-k, and the used region-specific map file RF-k is detected. The map file RF-k will be excluded from updating. If there are multiple unupdated regional map files RF-k that are not in use, which of these files RF-k should be updated first will be determined. Optional.

<Method B> This method is to update the one corresponding to the area that is closest to the current vehicle position in the unupdated regional map file RF-k in advance. As described in method b> above, when the vehicle is within the predetermined distance range and the local map file RF-k corresponding to the adjacent area is updated in advance, the area is the area closest to the current position. However, it is difficult to assume that the vehicle will arrive within a short time. On the other hand, the highest availability is available in the unupdated regional map file RF-k! The item in (4) is a regional map file RF-k corresponding to the adjacent area. Therefore, the system control unit 115 specifies the current vehicle position based on the own vehicle position data supplied from the IZF unit 103, and determines the current position of the vehicle in an area closest to the current position. The corresponding unupdated regional map file R Fk is determined to be updated.

In this method, the area name corresponding to the unupdated regional map file RF-k is displayed on the display unit 110, and the user is allowed to select the regional map file RF-k to be updated.

[0055] As described above, when the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated is determined, the system control unit 115 has already completed reading the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated. It is determined whether or not the force is applied (step Sb6). As a result of this determination, when it is determined to be “no”, the system control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the DVD drive 106 to read the update map file RF-k for each area from the DVD (step Sb7). ). At this time, the system control unit 115 generates a temporary file on the HD, for example, based on the data read from the DVD.

Next, the system control unit 115 determines whether or not the reading of the regional map file RF-k has been completed and the generation of the temporary file on the HD has been completed (step Sb 8). If “no” is determined, step Sbl is executed again, and it is determined whether or not a force that requires processing for navigation is required.

[0057] Thereafter, the processes of steps Sbl to Sb8 are repeated, and the region-specific map file RF to be updated is sequentially placed on the HD by using the time when the process for realizing various functions is unnecessary. -k is being expanded, and all data of the regional map file RF-k for updating is on HD At the time when the data is expanded to “yes”. In this way, if the region-specific map file RF-k for updating is copied to the HD as a temporary file, for example, the system control unit 115 can update the region-specific map file RF-k before the update. It is determined whether or not it is in the state (step Sb9). If the determination is “yes” in this determination, the system control unit 115 updates the regional map file RF-k (step Sbl 0), and then repeats the processing of step Sbl.

[0058] At this time, the method of updating the regional map file RF-k by any method is arbitrary. For example, delete the pre-update regional map file RF-k recorded on the HD from the HD and rename the file of the regional map file RF-k copied as a temporary file on the HD before the update. The file may be replaced by changing to the file name of the regional map file RF-k.

[0059] On the other hand, for example, the vehicle exists in the area corresponding to the regional map file RF-k to be updated, and the regional map file RF-k is used for route guidance and route setting. In case that is in use, the corresponding regional map file RF-k cannot be updated. For this reason, when the system is strong, the system control unit 115 determines “no” in step Sb9, and executes the process of step Sbl again. In addition, when the reading of the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated has already been completed, the determination in step Sb6 changes to “Yes” and the processing in steps Sb7 and Sb8 is omitted. Thus, the determination in step Sb9 is performed. Then, when it becomes possible to update the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated, the system control unit 115 determines “Yes” in step Sb9, and executes the region-specific map file RF-k. RF-k is updated (step Sb10), and the process of step Sbl is repeated.

[0060] Thereafter, the above processing is repeated until the unupdated regional map file RF-k recorded on the HD disappears, and as a result, all of the map display data recorded on the HD is configured. File is updated.

[0061] In this manner, the navigation device 100 empowering the present embodiment is provided for each area obtained by dividing the entire area to be displayed on the map into a plurality of areas, and displays the map of the area corresponding to its own file. Map file RF-k containing map data for Management data section for managing map data included in Isle RF-k Common map file CF including CFC, HD of HD drive 105 where recorded, and at least own vehicle position indicating current vehicle position Using the data contained in the IZF section 103 that generates data, the area-specific map file RF-k, and the data contained in the management data section CFC, image data corresponding to the map around the current position indicated by the vehicle position data is generated. And a display control unit 112 that outputs to the display unit 110. The system control unit 115 further detects whether or not the region-specific map file RF-k needs to be updated based on a user input operation or the like. If it is detected that updating is necessary, the region-specific map file RF-k to be updated is determined based on the vehicle position data, and the navigation using the region-specific map file RF-k is performed. Stop processing for After that, the common map file CF and the update data corresponding to the determined area-specific map file RF-k are acquired from the DVD, and the acquired data is used to acquire the common map file and area recorded on the HD. It is configured to update the separate map file RF-k.

[0062] With this configuration, of the map display data recorded on the HD, the map file RF-k for each region to be updated is determined based on the vehicle position data, and the map file for each region is determined. RF-k and the common map file CF will be updated in advance. For this reason, only the regional map file RF-k related to the current position is to be updated, while the regional map file RF-k of the area unrelated to the current vehicle position is not to be updated. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time during which the navigation device cannot be used in connection with the update of the map display data, and to prevent the update from being complicated.

[0063] In the above configuration, system control unit 115 specifies an area to which the current position of the vehicle belongs based on the vehicle position data, and determines a regional map file R Fk corresponding to the area as an update target. Configuration. For this reason, the map file for each area that needs to be updated especially earlier for the user is updated earlier, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0064] The system control unit 115 updates (a) only the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area when the current position of the vehicle is more than a predetermined distance from the area boundary. If it is determined to be the target, or (b) if it is within a predetermined distance from the area boundary, the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area existing in the forward direction of the vehicle is determined as the update target Or (c) When the current vehicle position is within a predetermined distance range from the area boundary map, the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area selected by the user is determined as an update target. The same effect can be obtained when the method is adopted, and further, a method is adopted in which the system control unit 115 determines the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area existing on the set route as the update target. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

[0065] Furthermore, the navigation device 100 working in the present embodiment, after completing the update of the region-specific map file RF-k determined to be updated, sets a region other than the region-specific map file RF-k. The separate map file RF-k is configured to be updated while using the idle time of the processing in the system control unit 115. For this reason, the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area irrelevant to the current position of the vehicle will also be updated, and the update work can be simplified.

Further, in a powerful configuration, after the update of the regional map file RF-k around the current position is completed, when updating the regional map file RF-k corresponding to an area other than the area around the current position, the system The control unit 115 generates a temporary file on the HD while using the idle time of the processing, and replaces the regional map file RF-k to be updated with the temporary file. It is also possible to use the regional map file RF-k to be updated, so that the navigation device 100 during the update work can be used.

Further, when updating the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the area other than the vicinity of the current position, the regional map file RF-k to be updated is determined based on the own vehicle position data. Then, the system control unit 115 obtains the file data for update corresponding to the regional map file RF-k at a predetermined timing, and uses the obtained file data to record the current position recorded on the HD. It is configured to update the regional map file RF-k corresponding to areas other than surrounding areas. For this reason, it is possible to update the unused area-specific map file RF-k in advance, thereby improving processing efficiency. It is possible to

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the navigation device 100 for a vehicle updates map display data. However, for example, when data for map display is recorded on a mobile phone and the recorded data is updated, the data can be updated by performing the same processing. In this case, the mobile phone is provided with the GPS receiving unit 101 to acquire data indicating the current position of the pedestrian, and based on the data, determine a regional map file RF-k to be updated in advance based on the data. You should do it.

In the above embodiment, the DVD drive 106 is provided in the navigation device 100, and the DVD drive 106 is used to reproduce the DVD V on which the update file CF and RF-k are recorded. The configuration for partially updating the map display file was adopted. However, the update files CF and RF-k may be downloaded from a server on the network, or may be recorded on the HD drive 105! The device may be prepared separately.

[0070] Further, in the configuration in which the above-mentioned dedicated device updates the above-mentioned regional map file RF-k, the HD drive 105 is removed from the navigation device 100, and the data in the HD is updated by the dedicated device. The data may be updated while the HD drive 105 is connected to the navigation device 100.

Further, in the above embodiment, the common map file CF is provided with network data, but the network data may be managed as a separate file. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the common map file CF and the regional map file RF-k are configured to hold parcel management information for managing map data, respectively. Can also be managed as separate files. In this case, the file containing information such as parcel management information may be updated together with the common map file CF and the regional map file RF-k.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a map file for each region is utilized by utilizing the idle time of processing for realizing various functions such as route guidance and route setting in the system control unit 115. For example, when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection, the processing in the navigation device 100 is stopped, and the time is used to update the RF-k. It is OK to update RF-k.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, after updating the regional map file RF-k or the like of the area to which the current vehicle position belongs, the remaining regional map is utilized by using the idle time of the processing being executed. The configuration to update the file RF-k was adopted. However, if the vehicle enters the adjacent area after passing through the above-mentioned area boundary, the current processing is forcibly stopped, and the regional map file RF-k corresponding to the approach area is updated. You may make it.

Further, in the above embodiment, after updating the regional map file R Fk near the current position of the vehicle, the unupdated regional map file RF-k force The regional map file RF-k to be updated is not updated. k was determined and the map file RF-k for each area was updated in advance. However, in the process shown in FIG. 4, when updating these unupdated regional map files RF-k, it is not particularly necessary to determine the regional map file RF-k to be updated. For example, the processing in step Sb5 is omitted, and in step Sb8, when the update of all the unupdated regional map files RF-k is completed, it is determined that the reading has been completed. Is also good.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which map data is managed in units of reference parcels, blocks, and blocksets. However, it is not always necessary to manage map data for each of these units.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the map display data is updated in the navigation device 100 has been described.

It can also be used to update map display data recorded on a PC or the like when performing a service displayed on an information processing device such as C. In this case, a GPS receiver or the like is mounted on the mobile phone, and position data indicating the current position is acquired from the mobile phone by an information processing device such as a PC. Then, the regional map file RF-k to be updated should be determined based on the position data.

Further, in the above embodiment, map display data is recorded on the HD of the navigation device 100, and the regional map file RF-k of the area to which the current position of the vehicle belongs is included. Has a configuration in which a program that defines the operation of the processing is recorded, and a computer that reads the program.The computer reads the program and reads the program. A similar processing operation may be performed.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A map drawing device that generates map image data for displaying a map in accordance with movement of a moving object, and outputs the generated map image data to a display device,

A map file that is provided for each area obtained by dividing the entire area to be displayed on the map into a plurality of areas, and includes map data for generating the map image data of an area corresponding to the own file, and a map file included in the map file. Recording means for recording a common file including at least management data for managing the map data,

Current position data generating means for generating at least current position data indicating a current position of the moving body;

A display control unit configured to generate the map image data corresponding to a peripheral map of a current position indicated by the current position data using the management data and the map file, and output the map image data to the display device;

Detecting means for detecting whether the update of the map file is necessary or not;

Determining means for determining the map file to be updated based on the current position data, when it is detected that the map file needs to be updated;

After stopping the processing using the map file, the common file and the update file data corresponding to the map file determined by the determination unit are obtained, and the acquired file data is recorded in the recording unit. File updating means for updating the created common file and the map file,

A map drawing device comprising:

[2] The determining means specifies the area to which the current position of the moving object belongs based on the current position data, and determines at least the map file corresponding to the area as an update target. 2. The map drawing device according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The determination means specifies the area to which the current position of the moving object belongs based on the current position data,

(a) If the current position is more than a predetermined distance from the boundary of the area, only the map file corresponding to the area is determined as the update target,

(b) if the current position is within a predetermined distance from the boundary of the area 3.The map according to claim 2, wherein the map file corresponding to at least one of the map file corresponding to the area and the adjacent area adjacent via the boundary is determined as the update target. Drawing device.

[4] The current position data generating means generates current position data indicating a current position of the moving body and a traveling direction of the moving body,

The determining means, when the current position is within a predetermined distance range from the boundary, the map file corresponding to the area to which the current position belongs and the adjacent area existing ahead of the moving object in the traveling direction. Determine the map file corresponding to

The map drawing device according to claim 3, wherein:

[5] further comprising an input means for receiving a user's input,

The determining means determines a map file corresponding to the adjacent area to be updated based on an input operation on the input means when the current position is within a predetermined distance range from the boundary.

The map drawing device according to claim 3, wherein:

[6] setting means for setting a destination of the moving object;

Route setting means for setting a route from the current position of the moving object to the set destination,

The determining means determines the map file corresponding to the area to which the current position belongs and the map file corresponding to the area existing on the set route as update targets.

3. The map drawing device according to claim 2, wherein:

[7] The file update means, after completing the update of the map file determined as the update target by the determination means, stores the update file data corresponding to the map file other than the determined map file in advance. 2. The map drawing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map drawing apparatus acquires the map data at a predetermined timing and updates another map file recorded in the recording unit with the acquired file data.

[8] The file updating means may include the map file determined to be updated by the determining means. When updating the map file other than the determined map file after the completion of the update of the file, a temporary file is generated on a recording medium using the acquired file data, and the map to be updated by the temporary file is generated. 8. The map drawing device according to claim 7, wherein the file is replaced.

[9] After the update of the map file determined to be updated by the determination means is completed, when updating a map file other than the determined map file, the map to be updated based on the current position data is updated. It further has auxiliary determination means for determining the file,

The file update unit acquires update file data corresponding to the map file determined by the auxiliary determination unit at a predetermined timing, and is recorded in the recording unit by the acquired file data. The map drawing device according to claim 7, wherein another map file is updated.

[10] A navigation device including a map drawing device that generates map image data for displaying a map in accordance with movement of a moving object, and outputs the generated map image data to a display device,

A map file that is provided for each area obtained by dividing the entire area to be displayed on the map into a plurality of areas and includes the map data for generating the map image data of the area corresponding to the own file; Recording means for recording a common file including at least management data for managing the map data,

Setting means for setting a destination of the moving object,

Route setting means for setting a route from the current position of the moving body to the destination; and route guidance information indicating the set route together with a map around the current position indicated by the current position data. A display control unit that generates the map image data using the management data and the map file and outputs the map image data to the display device; and a detection unit that detects whether the update of the map file is necessary.

If it is detected that the map file needs to be updated, the current position data is updated. Deciding means for deciding the map file to be updated based on the data, and stopping the processing using the map file, and then updating the common file and the update corresponding to the map file decided by the deciding means. File update means for acquiring the file data of the above, and updating the common file and the map file recorded in the recording means with the acquired file data;

A navigation device comprising:

[11] A map drawing device that generates map image data for displaying a map in accordance with the movement of a moving object, and outputs the generated map image data to a display device. It manages a map file provided for each area obtained by dividing the entire area into a plurality of areas and including map data for generating the map image data of the area corresponding to the own file, and the map data included in the map file. A file updating method in a map drawing device having a recording medium on which a common file including at least management data for performing

A first step in which the map drawing device detects whether the update of the map file is necessary or not;

A second step in which the map drawing device generates at least current position data indicating a current position of the moving object;

A third step in which the map drawing device determines the map file to be updated based on the current position data when it is detected that the map file needs to be updated;

After the map drawing device stops processing using the map file in its own device, the map drawing device acquires update file data corresponding to the common file and the map file determined in the third step, A fourth step of updating the common file and the map file recorded in the recording means with the acquired file data.

[12] A plurality of files recorded on the information recording medium, provided for each area obtained by dividing the entire area to be displayed on the map into a plurality of areas, and the map image data of the area corresponding to the own file is stored. A map file containing map data to be generated, and A file updating program for updating, by a computer, a common file including at least management data for managing the included map data,

Said computer,

Current position data generating means for generating current position data indicating at least the current position of the moving object;

Detection means for detecting whether or not the update of the map file is necessary;

Determining means for determining the map file to be updated based on the current position data when it is detected that the map file needs to be updated;

After stopping the processing in the external device using the map file, the common file and the update file data corresponding to the map file determined by the determination means are obtained, and the information is obtained by the obtained file data. A file update program that functions as: file update means for updating the common file and the map file recorded on a recording medium.

A computer-readable information recording medium on which the file update program according to claim 12 is recorded.